MathAcrossCampus is a quarterly
colloquium series at the University of Washington to showcase
applications of mathematics, with a special
emphasis on the growing role of discrete methods in math applications. The
goal
of this seminar is to expose theoreticians to applied work, to create a
community of mathematicians and users of
mathematics at UW, and to
serve as a guide to students and researchers looking for projects and
jobs in math-related areas by offering exposure to
ongoing math applications in the Seattle area.

Computational Thinking

Computational thinking is destined to be a fundamental skill taught to every child along with reading, writing, and arithmetic. Computational thinking involves solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior by drawing on concepts that are fundamental to computer science. I will give examples of how computational thinking has already influenced many disciplines, from the sciences to the arts, and how it is transforming K-12 education. Computational thinking can not only inspire future generations to enter the field of computer science—it can benefit people in all fields.

Math &amp Music: Connecting Theory &amp Practice

The two subjects of math and music are connected in myriad ways, from the rhythm of notes to the frequencies of the pitches. At the advanced level, both mathematical theories and music theories help us understand the other subject. In this talk, we first explore what mathematics tells us about musical instruments, the basic tools of musical practice. In the second half, we flip sides, looking at music theory and how the structure of chords gives us another way to understand topological structures (circles, Möbius strips and higher dimensional tori), some of the basic tools of mathematical practice. Thus the first "movement" connects mathematical theory to musical practice, and the second "movement" connects musical theory to mathematical practice. Throughout, examples played on the violin will illustrate all of these beautiful and surprising connections.

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